The Chief of Naval Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral (ADM) Soeparno, was conferred Singapore’s prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) [or Meritorious Service Medal (Military)], by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence on May 22.
ADM Soeparno was conferred the award in recognition of his significant role in fostering closer ties between the Indonesian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy. Under his leadership, bilateral cooperation and exchanges between the two navies have grown in scope and depth. Of significance, ADM Soeparno oversaw the development of SURPIC II, an enhanced information sharing portal launched recently during the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Indonesia-Singapore Coordinated Patrol on 11 May 2012.
ADM Soeparno has also played an instrumental role in initiating new areas of professional cooperation. He supported the deployment of Indonesian liaison officers to the Information Fusion Centre at Changi Naval Base as well as the attachment of officers to the Singapore Armed Forces’ Combined Task Force 151 Command Team and Task Group deployments in 2011, marking the first time both navies cooperated in counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. These interactions have enhanced the interoperability, professionalism and friendship between the officers and men of the two navies.
ADM Soeparno, who is in Singapore from 20 to 22 May 2012, called on Dr Ng, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong and Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng before the investiture.
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Naval Today Staff , May 23, 2012; Image: MINDEF Singapore